Analysis of pressure drop variation due to obstacles in mine ventilation networks using simulation

Appropriate ventilation in underground mines is one of the most important factors in deep mining. Mining engineers always pay attention to the design of the ventilation network during development and extraction of ore in underground mines. The ventilation network’s efficiency depends on a variety of factors. The presence of barriers in mine ventilation networks is one of the important affecting factors. In this research, using the Monte Carlo technique, a probability distribution function is presented for the resistance of obstacles as the input to the model. For each simulated value, the ventilation network was analyzed and the air flow of all branches of the ventilation system of the NAKHLAK mine was determined. Reliability criteria were introduced. Results showed that branches 4, 6.7, and 13 have been failed. Branch 7 will be able to find its initial performance by changing the flow direction. Branch 13 was completely failed during the simulation process.